Solo – In 2025, freelancing in the UK has firmly taken root as a mainstream career choice. A growing number of people are turning to self-employment, drawn by the promise of freedom, flexibility, and greater purpose in their working lives. No longer a fringe option or temporary stopgap, freelancing has become a long-term lifestyle for millions.
The appeal is clear: set your own hours, choose your clients, work from anywhere, and pursue projects that truly align with your values and expertise. For many, it’s an opportunity to escape the 9-to-5 grind and craft a career that reflects their individuality.
But while the benefits are real, so are the pressures. Behind the rise of the freelance economy lies a demanding and often misunderstood reality – one that can involve constant juggling, financial instability, and emotional isolation. That’s exactly why we created Solo: to support the human behind the hustle.
The Growth of Freelancing in the UK
Freelancing is no longer a niche activity – it’s a driving force in the UK labour market.
- More than 2.05 million people across the UK now work as freelancers
- The broader self-employed workforce includes around 4.35 million people – around 12% of the UK’s total workforce
- Together, UK freelancers contribute an estimated £270 billion to the economy every year
And the numbers are growing. Industries such as ecology, digital services, marketing, coaching, and consulting are seeing a particular surge. Factors like the rise of remote working, the post-pandemic reassessment of work-life priorities, and advances in technology have all contributed to this shift.
For many, freelancing is more than just a job choice – it’s a conscious lifestyle decision. People want autonomy, creativity, and purpose in their work. They want to build something of their own.
The Hidden Costs of Freelancing in the UK
But self-employment isn’t all freedom and fulfilment. It comes with its own set of tough realities – ones that traditional employees rarely encounter.
As a freelancer, you wear every hat: boss, employee, finance director, marketing manager, tech support. And while you might have left behind the office politics and rigid routines, you’ve also left behind a safety net.
Common challenges freelancers face include:
- No financial safety net – No paid sick days, holiday pay, or employer pension contributions
- Admin overload – You’re responsible for bookkeeping, invoices, contracts, marketing, and more
- Inconsistent income – Some months are busy, others are quiet, and chasing overdue payments becomes routine
- Professional isolation – No colleagues to bounce ideas off, no feedback, and few meaningful support structures
These aren’t small hurdles. They are constant pressures that can quietly chip away at your confidence, your motivation, and your ability to grow. For many freelancers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, alone, and on the brink of burnout.
Why We Built Solo
Solo was created to change that – to make self-employment sustainable, supported, and less lonely.
We’ve seen first-hand how talented freelancers can struggle to stay afloat simply because they lack support. People who are brilliant at their craft get bogged down in admin, miss growth opportunities, or give up entirely – not because they weren’t good enough, but because they were doing it all alone.
We knew there had to be a better way.
That’s why we created Solo – a support hub built specifically for freelancers, sole traders, and independent professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or several years in, Solo is here to help you work smarter, not harder.
What Solo Offers
Solo acts as your freelance backup team. We help reduce the burden of going it alone by offering:
- Time-saving tools and templates – from contracts to planning documents, so you’re not reinventing the wheel
- Professional website design and support – so your online presence reflects the quality of your work
- Access to expert advice – across finance, operations, branding, and business development
- A supportive community – of like-minded freelancers who understand your journey
- Tailored services – including pitch and portfolio support, admin help, and growth planning
We want you to spend more time doing the work you love – and less time stressing over everything else.
Useful UK Resources for Freelancers
If you’re freelancing in the UK, these are some valuable resources to know:
- Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – Offers legal advice, financial tools, and a strong member community
- GOV.UK – Working for Yourself – Official government guidance on self-employment, taxes, and business setup
The Future of Freelancing: Independent, But Not Isolated
The way we work is evolving. More people are rejecting traditional employment in favour of flexibility and autonomy – but they still want structure, support, and connection.
At Solo, we believe you don’t have to choose between independence and community. You can build your business your way – and still have people behind you who truly understand what it takes.
Solo doesn’t mean working alone.
Interested in joining Solo?
Visit Solo – an Aspire to Grow company – to learn more or sign up for early access. Let’s build something brilliant, together.
